Formigas em ambiente hospitalar e seu potencial como transmissoras de bactérias: revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections represent one of the main challenges faced by healthcare institutions worldwide. Several species of ants, such as Formica rufa and ants of the genus Camponotus spp., have demonstrated the ability to transport a variety of microorganisms on their bodies. Studies indicate that these ants can colonize hospital areas, especially in places where there is accumulation of food waste, stagnant water or poor hygiene. The objective of this study was to analyze and characterize the potential for transmission of bacteria by ants in hospital environments. To this end, a study was carried out based on scientific articles, books, systematic reviews, technical reports and documents from international organizations. The research was conducted in widely recognized academic databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, among other specialized sources. The species observed were Solenopsis invicta, Camponotus spp., Formica spp., Atta spp. and Tapinoma melanocephalum. The main bacteria associated with ants in hospitals include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are often considered the most serious in hospital settings due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus, especially the MRSA strain, also poses a significant risk. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. can cause serious infections, but compared to the others, they tend to be more treatable in many cases, although they can still be fatal in immunocompromised patients. Effective pest management and strict monitoring of hospital hygiene become essential to reduce the risk of ant-related infections.